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When the decision was made by Activision to reboot the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series in 2019, there was widespread skepticism, particularly concerning the campaign. The challenge of surpassing the iconic Modern Warfare series seemed like a very difficult task.
However, when we experienced the campaign, all doubts were dispelled because the 2019 campaign proved to be one of the finest in the entire Call of Duty series. Whether it's the revitalised characters like Captain Price, Soap, Gaz, Ghost, and others, who outshone their predecessors in every aspect, or the new storyline that, while drawing inspiration from the past, carved out its own originality, this campaign had something that set it apart from all other Call of Duty campaigns.
Following a somewhat lacklustre campaign in the sequel to the reboot, Modern Warfare 2, which we had the chance to play last year, the anticipation for the third installment was high, with hopes it would regain the confidence of Call of Duty campaign enthusiasts. Read our review to find out if those expectations were met.
Same characters, same old story
The campaign storyline picks up from the previous installment, following the familiar TF-141 team in their global counterterrorism endeavours. It commences with a Russian paramilitary unit liberating a war criminal and a notorious figure from the gulag—details we won't disclose to avoid spoilers. Subsequently, the world plunges into turmoil, with terrorist attacks and significant events aiming to thrust the world into a global conflict.
Naturally, the Task Force 141 members won't stand for it, and thus begins the familiar Call of Duty campaign filled with explosive cutscenes and adrenaline-fueled action.
Regrettably, it must be acknowledged that the potential for the Modern Warfare 3 storyline was considerable. With intriguing, well-established characters, a compelling villain, and ample opportunities for an engaging war narrative, the outcome fell short. Instead, what we've got is a reused story with familiar plotlines from preceding Modern Warfare titles, coupled with mostly recycled missions that have been seen countless times before.
If you've ever delved into the previous Modern Warfare titles and are familiar with the narrative, it becomes apparent early on how the story will likely conclude. Even for those unacquainted with the preceding titles, the storyline is disappointingly predictable, lacking any significant plot twists.
A notable example is the memorable Gulag mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (the old one), where the revelation that Prisoner 627 was, in fact, Captain Price, previously believed to be dead, was a hallmark twist. Such intricate plots and surprising turns, characteristic of Call of Duty campaigns over the years, are notably absent in Modern Warfare 3, no matter how hard you try to find any of them.
Ultimately, the story's conclusion, while seemingly aimed at delivering a cliffhanger, imparts a sense of incompleteness. It leaves you with the feeling that the narrative was snatched away just as it hinted at becoming intriguing.
Gameplay
Call of Duty has consistently stood as the epitome of first-person shooters, and, honestly, we wouldn't want it any other way because we love it just the way it is.
It remains an excellent shootout, brimming with explosive action that pumps adrenaline to the roof. However, this time, there's a slightly different approach. The enemies vary in the amount of armour they wear, meaning you'll require more bullets to take down an armoured foe. Indicators on the screen will also signal when you've removed one layer of armour.
Apart from enemies, the character you control can utilise armour plates found during missions, providing additional protection. In each mission, you'll discover extra slots for armour plates, and the more you find, the better protected you'll be.
Numerous weapons with various modifications are scattered throughout the missions and serve as collectibles. Each discovered weapon can be used later in designated areas known as loadout stations during missions. As usual, the weapons are crafted in the likeness of real-world counterparts, and the sensation of firing each one is remarkably potent and authentic.
In terms of duration, the campaign is relatively short, clocking in at just five hours with a total of 14 playable missions. The level design adheres to the traditional linear style characteristic of the Call of Duty series. However, a notable drawback is the recurring nature of the level design, with elements that have been featured in numerous Call of Duty games.
Familiar environments, such as snow levels, the recycled Gulag setting, the well-known AC-130, and other already-seen levels from past Call of Duty games, contribute to a sense of repetition. I believe everybody will agree with me that a little originality in level design would be much more commendable, instead of recycling old levels and themes.
For instance, the initial mission you undertake is the Gulag mission, and surprisingly, it shares the same name as the one in the old Modern Warfare 2, namely "Prisoner 627." And before you ask, no, it doesn't involve Captain Price as the prisoner. Given that it's a new game featuring a fresh set of characters, many players would have preferred entirely new content; at least I know I would.
Graphics and Sounds
From a graphical standpoint, Modern Warfare 3 not only failed to enhance its visuals compared to its predecessors but even exhibited regression in certain aspects. On the PlayStation 5, the game maintains a frame rate of 60 FPS, but intriguingly, the cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS. The character models lack the impressive detail seen in previous games and occasionally appear somewhat unfinished.
While the graphic effects of explosions, fire, and weapons in Modern Warfare 3 are indeed striking, they don't introduce anything groundbreaking. Reflections appear blurry and lack the dynamic quality of ray-traced effects, at least in the PlayStation 5 version. I cannot provide insights into other versions as I haven't explored them.
Don't get me wrong, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 remains a visually stunning game with some of the most impressive graphics. However, the key issue lies in the fact that with each new installment, graphics should ideally advance, not take a step back. This prompts the conclusion that either the developers were unwilling to take the risk of incorporating more visually appealing effects or they simply overlooked this aspect. There's no other plausible explanation.
In contrast, the sound effects are notably impressive, meeting the expected standard for a Call of Duty title. The soundtrack, particularly during mission briefings, is exceptional, evoking a sense of readiness to serve one's country at any cost.
The sounds of explosions, weapons, and battle cries are fantastic, and there's not a single complaint in this regard.
Conclusion
To be honest, usually, irrespective of a game's quality, when it comes to a sequel to the story from the preceding one, or two games in this case, I usually suggest playing the last game to see the story through to its conclusion. However, in the case of Modern Warfare 3, if you choose not to engage with this campaign, trust me, you won't miss much.
The narrative, gameplay, and graphics fail to make a significant impression. If, like me, you're a fan of a compelling single-player campaign and that's the sole reason you're considering playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, it's advisable to save your money for a more rewarding experience.
The Good
Adrenaline-fueled shootout- Familiar characters
- Impressive sound effects
- Still stunning graphics
- Solid weaponry
The Bad
Predictable storyline- Short campaign
- Recycled level design
- Graphical regression
- Incomplete story conclusion
